Professor Dr. Hassan Shakir Majdi, President of Al-Mustaqbal University, participated in the IAU-EAIE Internationalisation Leadership Dialogue, held on September 8, 2026, at The Sir Jim McDonald Technology and Innovation Centre at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, United Kingdom.
The dialogue addressed strategies for internationalisation and higher education in light of current global challenges, while providing a platform for university presidents and higher education leaders from different countries around the world to exchange experiences, insights, and best practices.
Professor Dr. Hassan Shakir Majdi participated at the invitation of the International Association of Universities (IAU) and the European Association for International Education (EAIE), as part of efforts to strengthen opportunities for international academic cooperation and facilitate the exchange of strategic expertise among higher education leaders worldwide.
The event commenced with welcoming remarks from the host institution, the University of Strathclyde, followed by speeches delivered by Dr. Hilligje van’t Land, Secretary General of the International Association of Universities (IAU), and Mr. Mervyn Baker, Executive Director of the European Association for International Education (EAIE).
The keynote lecture, entitled “Leading Internationalisation in Turbulent Times,” was delivered by Sir Anton Muscatelli, President of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. His presentation explored a number of advanced strategic themes, including the VUCA Prime leadership model and approaches to managing higher education institutions in volatile and rapidly changing environments by focusing on Vision, Understanding, Clarity, and Agility.
The keynote also highlighted successful models and strategies for building equitable and sustainable partnerships among universities, in addition to presenting an analysis of internationalisation markets and reviewing recent data and statistics on global trends in international student mobility and recruitment.
During the event, Professor Dr. Hassan Shakir Majdi participated in a series of dialogue sessions and roundtable discussions focusing on the Al-Mustaqbal of international partnerships. The discussions addressed mechanisms for selecting strategic partners, developing joint academic programmes, promoting research collaboration, and strengthening the principle of reciprocity in international academic cooperation.
The dialogue also explored ways of reimagining internationalisation, including the integration of internationalisation into academic curricula, the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in learning and academic mobility, and the use of virtual exchange as a modern and sustainable approach to international education.
The programme also included a number of bilateral meetings between the President of Al-Mustaqbal University and participating higher education leaders. Professor Dr. Hassan Shakir Majdi met with Dr. Hilligje van’t Land, Secretary General of the International Association of Universities (IAU), during which he presented her with a commemorative gift symbolising Iraq’s rich heritage and civilisation. The meeting also provided an opportunity to discuss prospects for Al-Mustaqbal academic and research partnerships.
In addition, Professor Dr. Hassan Shakir Majdi held meetings with leaders and representatives of participating academic institutions to explore potential opportunities for Al-Mustaqbal cooperation and to strengthen international academic and research relations.
This participation reflects Al-Mustaqbal University’s continued commitment to developing its strategic plans, keeping pace with global developments in higher education leadership and management, and expanding its network of international academic and research partnerships.
Al-Mustaqbal University – Iraq’s No. 1 University.